where to tap into 12v accessory power under dash?

[BRZ-y]

Hey guys,
I'm hardwiring in my radar detector and have it strung down the a-pillar to the drivers side for my remote switch to be handy. Anybody know what wire in the drivers footwell accesses 12v accessory power? There have been some great writeups on tapping power via the dome light or the lighter in the glove box.... but i want to use the remote switch for easy muting and the wire won't reach back up that far.
Any pointers would be awesome.

[xjohnx]

the fuse box is right there, could just add a circuit.

[BRZ-y]

good thinking! i just googled fuse tap. does that seam like a good way to go? which fuse slots are acc? i guess i could just trial and error my way to one. thanks for the lightning response by the way!

[gmookher]

Originally Posted by BRZ-y

Hey guys,
I'm hardwiring in my radar detector and have it strung down the a-pillar to the drivers side for my remote switch to be handy. Anybody know what wire in the drivers footwell accesses 12v accessory power? There have been some great writeups on tapping power via the dome light or the lighter in the glove box.... but i want to use the remote switch for easy muting and the wire won't reach back up that far.
Any pointers would be awesome.

run your wire down passenger side
in the glove box, behind the 12v adapter, splice in there
if you pull the side panel off dash, and pull out the glove box assy by removing all screws and pull it out- yes, one upper corner will stay attached near passenger left knee but it will bend fine, not break and you can spice and reassemble without worry, trust me, ask me how I know this

[xjohnx]

Originally Posted by gmookher

run your wire down passenger side
in the glove box, behind the 12v adapter, splice in there
if you pull the side panel off dash, and pull out the glove box assy by removing all screws and pull it out- yes, one upper corner will stay attached near passenger left knee but it will bend fine, not break and you can spice and reassemble without worry, trust me, ask me how I know this

Originally Posted by BRZ-y

There have been some great writeups on tapping power via the dome light or the lighter in the glove box.... but i want to use the remote switch for easy muting and the wire won't reach back up that far.

He's aware of that method, he wants it on the driver side.

Originally Posted by BRZ-y

good thinking! i just googled fuse tap. does that seam like a good way to go? which fuse slots are acc? i guess i could just trial and error my way to one. thanks for the lightning response by the way!

You should be able to use a multimeter or test light to identify a circuit that comes on with accessory power pretty easily.

[ProjectD]

Originally Posted by xjohnx

the fuse box is right there, could just add a circuit.

Yup. Exactly what i had in mind. BTW...im sure you know...it takes the "mini" fuse amp (not the regular).

Although....I do have a question regarding this method myself:

Once i add the "add a circuit" ---- it would appear that the Fuse Box Cover will NOT be able to latch back (close) because of such small space (between fuse and cover). Would it be ok to leave the Cover off? I am paranoid that some debri or foreign matter may find its way in there if i leave the fuse box expose.

If anyone has already done this and wouldnt mind sharing their feedback - i would be much obliged. Once my Direct Wire comes in -- i can play the Trial and Error game myself. Thoughts?

Originally Posted by gmookher

run your wire down passenger side
in the glove box, behind the 12v adapter, splice in there
if you pull the side panel off dash, and pull out the glove box assy by removing all screws and pull it out- yes, one upper corner will stay attached near passenger left knee but it will bend fine, not break and you can spice and reassemble without worry, trust me, ask me how I know this

This method seems like its so much more work as opposed to what XjohnX suggested. If one does not possess "steady hands" and intermediate knowledge of Basic Electricity --- they may end up cutting the wrong wire or worse lol

All your posts always amuse me. Why is it that you always think that we are against your methods and beliefs? No one is questioning your Wisdom and Skills...but you always manage to make it obvious. By the way...how do you know? Can we get a DIY perhaps? Inquisitive minds want to know.

Originally Posted by xjohnx

He's aware of that method, he wants it on the driver side.

You should be able to use a multimeter or test light to identify a circuit that comes on with accessory power pretty easily.

Exactly! I thought about adding it with Radio --- but i was informed that it may not be the best route as the Radio can potentially draw power away from the unit it shares with (GPS/ Radar/ etc).

I believe, per the Manual, there are some Empty "cold" (as opposed to always Hot) slots that we can use (accessories). Is this correct? Thanks in advanced.

[DaJo]

You could just stuff the wire into the "dead" side of the "Radio" accessory fuse... No splicing required. As for the power draw... I've had no problems so far with my BlackVue tapped to it.

Or... If you plan to add-a-circuit; you can always just zip-tie the cover over the fuses.

Like so:

[BRZ-y]

You guys rock! Picked up a fuse tap. Heading out to try it out. Will try the zip tie cover as well. Forgot to look for a grounding spot last night. I'm sure I can find something.
Great photo dajo thanks for the help, and yes I believe that you chose that fuse for a reason and I won't ask the "hey is that supposed to be a 15 fuse???!!???"

[DaJo]

Originally Posted by BRZ-y

You guys rock! Picked up a fuse tap. Heading out to try it out. Will try the zip tie cover as well. Forgot to look for a grounding spot last night. I'm sure I can find something.
Great photo dajo thanks for the help, and yes I believe that you chose that fuse for a reason and I won't ask the "hey is that supposed to be a 15 fuse???!!???"

No problem! Unfortunately I cannot take credit for that photo as it belongs to @F1point4

It was just a perfect reference example.

Cheers!

[ProjectD]

Originally Posted by DaJo

You could just stuff the wire into the "dead" side of the "Radio" accessory fuse... No splicing required. As for the power draw... I've had no problems so far with my BlackVue tapped to it.

Or... If you plan to add-a-circuit; you can always just zip-tie the cover over the fuses.

Like so:

Yes. Same here....thanks Dajo. My fuse package only came with a 7.5, 10, and I believe 3 amp.....would those be safe? Sorry, but I have to ask cuz I sure as hell am not a pro lol

[Foobar]

Grounding bolt is right behind the fuse box towards the firewall side.

I have three add a circuits in my fuse box, I believe I tapped in to both seat heaters and I think the fog light.

I keep my fuse box cover in the glove compartment, the fuses will be fine.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[ProjectD]

Originally Posted by Foobar

Grounding bolt is right behind the fuse box towards the firewall side.

I have three add a circuits in my fuse box, I believe I tapped in to both seat heaters and I think the fog light.

I keep my fuse box cover in the glove compartment, the fuses will be fine.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Thanks so much for this. Now since I an VERY paranoid. ...would it be ok to slap a few strips of electric tape just to nake sure it doesn't get anything trapped? lol

[Foobar]

Yeah, no problem. I have my wiring zip tied up and tucked away so I don't snag any of them, that's the extent of my precautions. Taping up with electrical tape is fine. Maybe just wrap it up with a small plastic bag and then tape that securely if you're really paranoid.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[BRZ-y]

Forgot to take pics of the finished layout. Thanks for all your advice guys. I ended up using the fuse tap on the radio circuit. Wasn't sure which bolt Foobar was referring to for ground, so I ran the ground up under the center console to where the radio ground connects to the frame, like in older imprezas.
There is a bolt that looks like it is holding the fuse box on.....is that the one? Didn't want to end up blowing all the fuses by closing the loop causing a chain reaction of electrical bursts causing the car to explode..... Hey it's possible.....